Designing of multi-epitope vaccine against Varicella zoster virus (VZV) using immunoinformatics and structural analysis: In silico study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles), posing significant global health challenges. Despite existing vaccines, gaps in coverage and efficacy persist, necessitating novel vaccine designs. This study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine targeting VZV using immunoinformatics and structural bioinformatics approaches.

Methods

MHC-I and MHC-II binding epitopes from VZV proteins (glycoprotein E, glycoprotein B, tegument protein IE63) were predicted using IEDB tools, prioritizing conserved epitopes with high binding affinity. A chimeric construct was engineered with 18 epitopes, adjuvants (β-defensin 3), and cell-penetrating peptides (HIV TAT), linked with GPGPG/AAY spacers. Antigenicity (VaxiJen), allergenicity

SUBMITTER: J Saadh M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12579738 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature